Donald Gene Ragan of Knoxville passed away peacefully March 30, 2017 at the age of 82. He was born in Belfair, Washington on October 27, 1934 to Clifford and Mildred Ragan. His family moved frequently with Don attending over 30 different grade schools. By the age of 14, Don was independent and working at a local appliance store. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Navy and served in Korea aboard the USS Boxer and in Honolulu, Hawaii as a radio intelligence specialist. After his honorable discharge, Don’s entrepreneurial spirit led him into business ventures in the US and China. Although Don’s favorite pastimes were sleeping, fishing, and crabbing, he was often out looking for prime real estate, timber, or any other potential business opportunity. After earning a bachelor’s degree, Don became a professor in China where he taught English for more than ten years at three universities. Don married his current wife Mary (Changxia Dai) in 2001. The couple returned to the United States from China in 2003, living and working in Oregon and New York before settling in Knoxville. In recent years, Don, Mary, and their son Jack have been successful renovating and renting houses. Don is survived by his wife Mary, 11 children, 28 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be private for the family of Mr. Ragan.
Unity's Preferred Florist
PETREE'S FLOWERS WEBSITE